Steve Rider highlights motorsport broadcasting opportunity

The BBC has the chance to push forward with coverage of alternative motorsport in the UK, veteran presenter Steve Rider has claimed.

He made a speech at the Autosport International exhibition in which he suggested the broadcaster could cover Formula Three and the World Rally Championship where previously it had focused on the more high-profile Formula One (F1), according to Autosport.com.

Rider, who has worked for BBC, ITV and Sky on various sports programmes, told the audience that the BBC looks set to disappear completely from coverage of F1, but noted that there is a chance for them to diversify into other areas of motorsport. If a renewed commitment is made to the sector, it could mean new broadcast jobs for the sport’s production specialists.

“People talk about the damage being done by the current BBC/Sky situation, but to me the real damage is being done by keeping British motorsport off domestic television. You have BTCC [British Touring Car Championship] on ITV and that’s fantastic. But there needs to be more,” added the 62-year-old.

TV Newsroom reported that a number of changes have been made to the BBC’s coverage team for the coming year, with commentator Ben Edwards joining former McLaren, Red Bull and Williams driver David Coulthard in the punditry box.

Other new additions to the team include Jennie Gow as pit-lane reporter and James Allen as Radio Five Live commentator.